Given the extensive options available, you probably struggle with choosing a pre-workout. Whether you’re just starting with supplements or looking to explore other products, you will likely face the challenge of identifying an ideal product.
In all my years of pre-workout use, I have explored several products and taken my time to research them intensively. So, I’ve become acquainted with the markers of determining a great product.
My goal in this article is to teach you how to choose a great pre-workout and, even more important, how to optimize your decision-making process. I’d do this by pitting two products against each other; C4 Sport and Original.
C4 Sport vs. Original
Cellucor is a sports nutrition brand that is the brain behind these fantastic pre-workout products -C4 Sport and C4 Original. With over 20 years of experience engineering performance drinks, several top athletes and performers worldwide love and accept the brand.
As can be expected, C4 sport and original share certain features in common, as well as differences. This comparison will highlight the contrast between both products and inform you of deciding which one is best for you.
Overview of C4 Sport
Cellucor C4 Sport is a pre-workout supplement designed for athletes to help them achieve their fitness goals. One noteworthy fact about this product is that it is NSF-certified for athletes, implying that it meets the NSF safety requirements regarding ingredient quality and banned substances in supplements.
Targeted at elevating energy, endurance, and focus during sports activities, C4 Sport supplements contains a 3.181g exceptional performance blend broken down into the following ingredients:
- CarnoSyn beta-alanine
- L-Arginine
- Creatine HCI
- Sodium citrate
- Magnesium chloride
- Dipotassium phosphate
It also contains a 1.138g energy blend that consists of the following ingredients:
- Taurine
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Pyridoxine HCI
- Cyanocobalamin
With 135 mg of caffeine, this product offers sufficient energy for training sessions. Also, it comes in three unique flavors and has only five calories per serving.
Overview of C4 Original
Cellucor C4 Original pre-workout is targeted at delivering explosive strength, endurance, and focus. It comes with a caffeine content of 150 mg, providing a decent energy boost, thus improving your overall performance.
This supplement contains a 215 mg explosive energy blend consisting of the following ingredients:
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Velvet bean seed extract
- Theacrine
Other ingredients that it contains include:
- Beta-alanine
- Creatine nitrate
- Ascorbic acid
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Citrulline Malate
It is available in seven flavors, which all taste great and dissolve well in water. It also has a low-carb and low-calorie content, making it ideal for people looking to lose weight via a calorie-deficit diet.
Comparing C4 Sport and Original
Although they share a first name and a couple more other things, C4 Sport and Original pre-workouts have distinguishing features. Here is a quick comparison between both products:
Similarities
- Both have certain ingredients in common, including caffeine anhydrous, beta-alanine, and a vitamin B6, B12, and C blend.
- Both products are available in different flavors.
- Both products aim to boost energy and improve overall performance during home workout sessions.
- Both products come in a powdered form.
- Both products come from the same brand.
Differences
- C4 Sports is certified by the NSF for athletes, while Original is not.
- C4 Original is more expensive than Sports.
- C4 Sports has fewer flavor options than Original.
- C4 Original is available in both 30 and 60 servings sizes, while Sports is only available in a 30 servings size.
- C4 Original has more active ingredients that work faster and stronger. C4 Sports has milder ingredients that provide a longer-lasting effect.
- C4 Sport contains 135 mg of caffeine, while Original contains 150 mg of caffeine.
Major Distinguishing Factor
The major distinguishing factor between C4 Sport and Original is that the former is NSF-certified for athletes while the latter is not. This NSF certification indicates that the product has been tested for and is free of any contaminants, heavy metals, or banned substances that may be present in the Original.
When to Use C4 Sport
This product should be used by athletes who are concerned about the safety of the supplements they consume. Because the effects are milder and long-lasting, it is also great for people who engage in long training sessions for endurance activities such as running, jogging, and cycling.
When to Use C4 Original
This pre-workout may be used by individuals looking for a more intense energy boost to help them optimize their performance during workouts. It contains 150 mg of caffeine, which is decent for both beginner and seasoned athletes. It also comes in various flavors, giving you more taste options.
Which Pre-workout Is Better?
The decision of which of these products is better depends on individual factors, including your caffeine tolerance and fitness goals. C4 sport may be a better choice if you are an athlete and are concerned about the ingredient quality and consistency of the supplement you take.
C4 original is slightly stronger, as it contains a higher blend of more active stimulants, making it a good choice for most people just trying to up their fitness game.
Related Questions
Which of These Pre-workouts Is More Expensive?
C4 Original is more expensive than C4 Sport. While the former is sold for $20.99 for a 30-serving tub on the Cellucor website, the same size for the latter is sold for $15.39. However, C4 sports comes with a bigger scoop size, which implies that it may contain more powder than the C4 original.
Can I Consume These Pre-workouts if I Am Caffeine Sensitive?
No, it is not advisable to consume either of these pre-workouts if you are sensitive to caffeine, as they contain caffeine in considerable amounts. Consuming these products may lead to side effects, including jitteriness, nervousness, rapid heart rate, headaches, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. If you must consume them, ensure you start with a smaller amount to prevent an overdose.
Are These Pre-workouts Safe for Daily Use?
While these pre-workouts are not bad and may be safe to consume daily, doing this may lead to a tolerance buildup or over-reliance. It may also impact your health, causing an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Consume these products 3-4 times weekly for the most effective results, especially on training days.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, there’s no doubt that both products are excellent choices for anyone. While Sport may be a better choice for athletes, Original works just great for fitness enthusiasts who need an explosive boost of energy, endurance, and focus. Consider your stimulant tolerance levels, dietary requirements, and fitness goals when deciding which to go for.
